Network Access using TCP/IP over UHF Amateur Radio

Overview

TCP/IP access over UHF radio allows the use of regular TCP/IP protocols such as Telnet, POP and SMTP. This is only effective if the radio channel data rate is at least 56 kbps. Special UHF radios that use wider channel bandwidths, higher modulation rates, and compression allow such speeds over amateur radio UHF frequencies. This enables existing field or base station antennas to be used for higher speed connectivity and access to additional services.

Accessible Services

TCP/IP over UHF Amateur Radio can be used to access the following SCCo ARES/RACES network services:

User Access: Users can log into the packet BBSs using the Telnet protocol. Outpost (packet client software) is configured for a telnet interface instead of a TNC interface. After that, functionality for sending and receiving messages is the same. This preserves the workflow advantages built into the Outpost software and eliminates the need to switch between radios for packet vs. e-mail access.

EOCs, DOCs, Hospitals: Submit a completed UHF Site Information Form for the intended location and antenna: PDFMS-Word

The SCCo ARES/RACES network team will review the expected propagation path to confirm that it is likely to produce a high quality connection

Construct the UHF radio station

Note: At this time, the UHF data radios are still being evaluated. But work on the rest of the station can be performed in anticipation of connecting the radio.

When ready to configure the radio, the SCCo ARES/RACES network team will assign the necessary parameters to be used in the radio configuration. These parameters allow the radio to cooperate with the other radios on the frequency.